Onsite EKG

General overview of the service:

If you are at risk for heart attack, it is important to get regular electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG). This is a test that checks for problems with the electrical activity of the heart. An EKG shows the heart’s electrical activity as line tracings on paper. Our on-site EKG service can provide routine testing to determine within minutes the status of your heart rhythm.

IMPORTANT: If you feel you are having a heart attack, dial 9-1-1 and get to a hospital right away.

Heart Attack Signs in Men

Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.

Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.

Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.

Other signs may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.

Heart Attack Signs in Women

Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the center of your chest. It lasts more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back.

Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.

Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.

Other signs such as breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.

As with men, women’s most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. But women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting and back or jaw pain.

How the service is done:

The EKG service is offered in our clinic for multiple heart-related purposes, including:

Check your heart’s electrical activity.

Determine the pattern of unexplained chest pain or pressure.

Determine the pattern of rapid and irregular heartbeats (palpitations).

What methods are used:

When you have an on-site EKG:

You will lie on a table, laying very still. We will clean and possibly shave areas of your arms, legs, and chest. A paste will be spread on those clean areas. We will then attach the electrodes to that skin.

Several electrodes will be attached to each arm and leg, and your chest. These are connected to a machine that traces your heart activity onto a paper.

You can breathe normally during the test. At times, you may be asked to hold your breath. You should not talk during the test.

After the test, the electrodes and paste will be removed.

The test usually takes 5 to 10 minutes.

Are there any side-effects:

The procedure does not have side effects. An EKG is a completely safe test. In most cases, there is no reason why you should not be able to get an EKG.

The electrodes are used to transfer an image of your heart’s electrical activity to the tracing on paper. No electricity passes through your body from the machine, and there is no danger of electrical shock.